Pastor Allen Kirschbaum and daughter Elianna

Pastor Allen Kirschbaum

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BIBLE PASSAGE?

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

I was born in Milwaukee, WI. But I’ve moved around a whole lot. I’ve lived in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Missouri, and Michigan. Today I’m proud to call Caledonia my home.

WHY DID YOU BECOME A PASTOR?

I’ve known that I wanted to become a Pastor since 5th grade when I entered into a speech competition. My first 4-minute speech was titled “Who is Jesus”. After much encouragement from Pastors and family, God helped me to see the blessing of being able to help people by sharing the Gospel.

I have the opportunity to share Jesus’s love with people from birth, college, marriage, to the end. It’s an amazing thing to be a part of people’s lives.

When you serve – the responses that you see fill you up. I get to do that job every day. It’s amazing.

WHY DID YOU MOVE TO CALEDONIA, MI?

In May of 2015, I was assigned after 8 years of college to be the mission pastor at Spirit of Life Church. I had never been to Caledonia before so I was quite nervous. But the community and our church family here embraced me very quickly.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY…

My wife Karrie and I met in Branson, MO. She was there working to be a dance instructor and I was working in restaurants paying for college. Our first date was to Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. I proposed three months later. We were married in 2010. In 2013, the Lord blessed us with our beautiful daughter Elianna. Currently, Elianna attends Caledonia Community Schools. She loves singing in church, dance, and acting class.

Karrie has worked in the dance instruction industry until recently. Now she is the administrative assistant at Spirit of Life. She likes to garden, watch marvel movies, dance, and do behind the scenes work for our congregation.

“WHEN I HAVE FREE TIME, YOU WILL FIND ME…”

Playing basketball, cooking, or traveling.

ANYTHING ELSE?

I love being available to talk. Caledonia is new for me. So whenever people stop by my office or want to go for a coffee and chat – I love it. Part of what makes my job great is working with people. I don’t like being stuck behind a desk. I love hearing the stories of my friends here at Spirit of LIfe.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • BA – Martin Luther College New Ulm, MN
  • MDIV – Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary
  • Geriatric Care Certification from Martin Luther College
  • Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification